Netflix has announced that they are removing the ‘add to DVD queue’ feature from streaming devices like the iPhone, and users of the service will no longer be able to add items to their DVD queue from these devices.
It seems that having this feature removed by Netflix has upset a large amount of their customers, as many people use this feature and they are less than pleased with having it removed.
Netflix are obviously trying to get all their customers to move to streaming movie rentals rather than receiving physical copies of DVDs in the post, as this would make them more profitable as it costs more to send someone a DVD than it does to stream the movie to their devices.
Netflix users can still add DVDs to their queue from their computer, but many see this as an inconvenience because they were able to previously add the DVDs from their streaming devices, and now they have to switch to another device.
Impact on User Experience
The removal of the ‘add to DVD queue’ feature has a significant impact on the user experience. For many users, the convenience of managing their DVD queue directly from their streaming devices was a major benefit. This feature allowed users to seamlessly browse and add movies to their queue without needing to switch devices. Now, users must log into their accounts on a computer to manage their DVD queue, which can be seen as a step backward in terms of user convenience.
Moreover, this change may disproportionately affect users who rely heavily on physical DVDs due to limited or unreliable internet access. For these users, the ability to easily manage their DVD queue from their streaming device was a crucial part of their Netflix experience. The removal of this feature may lead to frustration and dissatisfaction among this segment of Netflix’s customer base.
Strategic Shift Towards Streaming
Netflix’s decision to remove the ‘add to DVD queue’ feature is likely part of a broader strategic shift towards streaming. Streaming is not only more cost-effective for Netflix, but it also aligns with the company’s long-term vision of becoming a leading provider of digital entertainment. By encouraging users to transition to streaming, Netflix can reduce the costs associated with shipping physical DVDs and focus on expanding its digital content library.
However, this shift is not without its challenges. While streaming offers numerous advantages, such as instant access to a vast library of content, it also requires a stable and high-speed internet connection. In regions where internet connectivity is limited or unreliable, physical DVDs remain a valuable option for accessing entertainment. Netflix must balance its push towards streaming with the needs of users who still rely on DVDs.
Additionally, the removal of the ‘add to DVD queue’ feature may be seen as a move to streamline the user interface on streaming devices. By focusing on streaming content, Netflix can simplify the user experience and reduce potential confusion. However, this simplification comes at the cost of removing a feature that many users found valuable.
In conclusion, while Netflix’s decision to remove the ‘add to DVD queue’ feature from streaming devices may be driven by strategic considerations, it has sparked significant backlash from users who valued the convenience and flexibility it offered. As Netflix continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of digital entertainment, it will need to carefully consider the impact of such changes on its diverse user base.
via Crunch Gear
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